Sussex children’s home owner jailed for ‘appalling’ historic abuse of children

A children’s home owner who carried out a campaign of abuse against young boys in his care has been jailed for 32 years.

John Webber was convicted last week of a staggering 26 historic sex offences, which took place while he owned the Old Rectory Children’s Home in Church Road, Singleton, which has long since closed.

He appeared at Hove Crown Court this afternoon

Webber, 78, of Clifton Hill in Brighton still does not admit his guilt and showed no remorse when he appeared at Hove Crown Court for sentencing this afternoon.

After a lengthy trial, Webber was found guilty of: 19 charges of indecent assault on a male person, two charges of indecency with a child, three of serious sexual assault and two of attempted serious sexual assault.

Prosecutor Jennifer Knight said his offences involved an ‘overwhelmingly grave abuse of trust’.

Brave impact statements from some of Webber’s many victims were read out in court, explaining how his crimes still affect them to this day.

Mr Webber abused the position of trust he held and took away my childhood

One of Webber’s victims, speaking through a statement

One survivor – who cannot be named for legal reasons – said he wonders what his life could have been like had it not been for Webber.

He said: “Due to the sexual abuse my life has been very different to most others I grew up with.

“I am emotionally and psychologically damaged. I have bipolar and PTSD, for which I have very strong medication.

“I suffer with flashbacks. I never feel safe.

“Mr Webber abused the position of trust he held and took away my childhood.

“Who knows what I could have been or the job I could have had if this hadn’t happened.”

Another survivor said: “Whilst I tried to shut it out, as anyone can understand, this traumatised me in more ways than I know.